information on how to apply for college funding.

1. How to Apply for College Funding Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) Alternative forms of Lending Joanne Gaita

2. FAFSA or Free Application For Federal Student Aid -government program to help students with the expenses of college. Filing the FAFSA is used to obtain: Federal Stafford Loans Federal Perkins Loans Grants, Scholarships Work Study Jobs on Campus. WHAT IS THE FAFSA? FAFSA FAFSA MAN

3. FAFSA Form file once a year after taxes are complete WHEN DO I FILE MY FAFSA???

4. Helpful Hints for First Time FAFSA Filers Complete the FAFSA after January 1, 2010. The FAFSA can be completed online www.fafsa.ed.gov The FAFSA requires pin number(s) for student and/or parent. Pin numbers may be obtained at www.pin.ed.gov. You should request your pin at least three weeks before you plan on filing. List ESU's code [003320] so we receive the results.

6. If the answer to any item is "none", "not applicable", or "unknown" fill in that item with a "0".

7. Question #31 on the FAFSA Form must be checked for:

8. Federal Stafford

9. Federal Perkins Loans

10. Campus Work Study. (Checking yes does not obligate you to take loans or work on campus)

11. Helpful Hints for First Time FAFSA Filers : Continued If you have any questions about the FAFSA or about Financial Aid, contact the Financial Aid Office at (570) 422-2820 1-800-378-6732 financial.aid@po-box.esu.edu. Financial Aid Counselors are located in Zimbar Hall, The Center for Enrollment Services should you need assistance.

12. About Federal Student Loans The Federal Government offers both Subsidized and Unsubsidized Federal Stafford Loans. These are low interest loans created to help you pay for your education. The Center for Enrollment Services will determine your eligibility for loans, based on your financial need as determined from the Free Application for Federal Student Aid Current Interest Rate for Federal Subsidized Loans 5.30% Current Interest Rate for Federal Unsubsidized Loans 6.8%

13. About Federal Student Loans Maximum Annual Loan Amount For Subsidized and Unsubsidized Federal Stafford Loans: Year 1 $ 5,500 0-29 Credits Year 2 $ 6,500 30-59 Credits Year 3 $ 7,500 60-89 Credits Year 4 $ 7,500 90 - Credits Year 5 $ 7,500 Teacher Certification Graduate $20,500 500 Level (*Graduate $8500 Subsidized/$12,000 Unsubsidized)

14. Graduate Federal Student Loans Graduate or professional degree: The maximumtotal debt allowed from Stafford Loans is $138,500. No morethan $65,500 in subsidized loans. This debt limit includesStafford Loans received for undergraduate study. However, the aggregate loan limit for graduate and professional students enrolled in certain approved health profession programs is $224,000.

15. Federal Perkins Loans The Federal Perkins Loan is a campus-based federal program which is awarded to students on the basis of financial need. It is interest free and non-repayable until nine months after termination of education, at which time it becomes repayable at 5.30 percent interest.

17. Be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen.

18. Not be in default on an educational loan or owe any educational grant refunds.

20. Graduate Plus Loan A PLUS loan for graduate students is available The FAFSA must be completed ***BUT REMEMBER*** the first option to be considered should be the Federal Stafford Loan which is a lower interest loan than the Graduate PLUS loan.

21. Alternative Student Loans Private loan programs are available to: Students ineligible for federal financial aid Students in need of additional funds for education. Loan approval: is based on creditworthiness and ability to repay. careful consideration should be made in determining the amounts borrowed, the loan must be repaid. Interest: most alternative loans accrue interest while the student is in school. in some cases it can be deferred

22. Federal Pell Grants Federal Pell Grants are available to undergraduates who are pursuing their first baccalaureate degree. Eligibility is determined from the information submitted on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Federal Pell Grants program is the largest grant program available to students. Unlike loan funding, Pell money does not have to be repaid. This grant is limited to undergraduates who have been accepted by the university.

23. State Grant Major Eligibility Requirements: Be a Pennsylvania resident (domiciliary). Be enrolled on at least a half-time Be a high school graduate or the recipient of a GED. Demonstrate academic progress for continued aid according to the PHEAA academic progress guideline. * All students are urged to apply even if the deadlines have passed, since late applications are considered if funds permit*

24. Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grants Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grants(FSEOG); are available to eligible students who demonstrate exceptional financial need as determined by the analysis of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). is generally awarded to Pell-eligible students. The awards range from $400 to $1,000 per academic yearat East Stroudsburg University. It is an award given to undergraduate students only.

25. $tudent Employment Student employment or the Federal Work-Study Program (FWSP) provides jobs for undergraduate and graduate students with financial need. Students are generally paid $7.25 per hour and work an average of ten hours per week. This allows students to earn money for personal expenses, as they receive a paycheck every other week. The available positions are posted on the ESU Website.

26. To be eligible for student employment: students must file the 2010-2011 FREE APPLICATION FOR FEDERAL STUDENT AID. Returning ESU students must also have academic progress. Student Employment